The Four Swords

Chapter 133: Questioning Character

My brother was a man of his word. Not only did he not say another word about Gella, he hardly said anything else to me the rest of the evening.

It was not an uncomfortable silence. Our mother generally filled the void since her offspring did not feel the need for idle chatter. Without her, the atmosphere might have lacked a homey touch but the quiet was welcome.

I tossed and turned in my bed throughout the night. When I did manage to sleep, the dream I had after the gnomes' vision about the two orbs played in my head again and again.

Each time the gray orb would find new ways to frustrate me. The dark orbs' counterpart seemed frozen in place no matter what the dark sphere attempted. I guess my mind was still trying to unravel the mysteries of our unknown future. Or maybe it was just a dream manifesting my stress.

Finally my mind rested on something new. Sir Carrion seemed to be the focus of today, so it only made sense that he would steal my dreams too. My mind replayed every word and every motion of the duel between the clansmen of Wolves.

I finally sat up, giving up on the possibility of sleep. The chimes from a clock in the shop below me rang out that it was not a fully unreasonable hour to be awake.

The clock reminded me of Gella. I heaved a heavy sigh. I do not know what I did wrong there, but obviously I misstepped somewhere. Instead of dwelling on my most recent mistake, I looked for something else to occupy my mind.

Since Sir Carrion stole my waking and sleeping hours yesterday, he might as well steal some more time before I had to present his deeds to the Swordsmen. I mulled over everything yet again.

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Out of all the traditional garb seen in our country, Carrion chose a long flowing garment. Out of all the weapons Carrion could have chosen, he picked the blade that the gnomes' foresaw. Everything lined up with the vision to the last detail.

Nothing made sense to how it came about. Carrion intended to marry Princess Alina. On the same day he made a choice that took that option away forever. I could only reason that there had to be something else at play behind the scenes. Maybe Calista should not be trusted.

I rose and dressed. Instead of waiting for Benate to rise to break the fast together, I simply took a hunk of travelers bread from his supply and left for the castle.

The castle never seemed to sleep. I understand the need for guards and lookouts, but even in this early hour more people were about. The cooks had ovens roaring and chimney smoke billowing into the morning air. The stable already had hands moving hay for the animals.It was comforting to know that some things never change, even in times of war.

I was the first one to enter the council chamber. It was not surprising given the early hour.

I sat down in my usual chair. Running my hands along the smooth wood of the table, I found myself reflecting. All the Swordsmen that came before me sat at this table.

In my humble opinion, I was still fairly new to the job. Yet soon I would be considered one of the more experienced ones currently in the kingdom's service.

The men who came before me were strong, brave and proud. I hope to live up to that standard. They also were probably much more prepared to babysit and mentor those who came after them. I desperately wish that burden passes from me. Or maybe I will just get used to it.

The door behind me swung open sloppily. Clearly someone else thought they were going to be the first one to arrive at the meeting. Lord Jacobson turned to meet my gaze.

"Lord Holden! You are quite the early riser today." The youngest swordsman almost fumbled over his own foot. The statement was a fair one after I arrived last to the meeting the day before.

"Good morning, Lord Jacobson."

"Please call me Jack. I know in formal settings I should be called my full title, but I am just not used to it. I should ask Queen Valerie if it is proper for me to be Lord Jack," Jacobson chuckled as his own musings.

I joined in the laughter even though I thought there was no way the queen would allow him to adopt such a nickname in court. Silence fell, although unlike when I was with Benate it felt uncomfortable.

Jack sat across from me. He looked around the room at everything and anything besides me.

"Jack," I started to help bridge the awkwardness that settled. "You grew up with Sir Carrion and Lady Calista, did you not?" Jacobson could potentially shed light on the members of the clan of wolves.

"I grew up around them both. I know Cali much more personally than I know Carrion. He has always been an ambitious individual. I thought it mainly was focused on his combat training and not rising in rank. Poor Alina."

Princess Alina did not have to worry about Sir Carrion in the same way she worried yesterday, but Lord Jacobson would soon figure that out for himself.

"Sounds like Lady Calista is the more trustworthy twin," I smiled as though it was all a joke to me, but I really wanted to know if I made a foolish mistake trusting in Cali's word that she would challenge Carrion for the Sword if needed.

"Absolutely!" Jack smiled back. "I must confess that I am glad that Cali was invited today instead of her brother."

My nerves abated for the moment. My anxious thoughts about my promises to Cali seemed to fade from the forefront of my mind, only to be replaced with the uneasiness that comes along with breaking unsettling news to others.

"Speaking of my, or um, her ladyship! Join us, Lady Calista!" Jack rose and pulled out a chair next to him for the newest meeting member.